Ireland can expect a dose of weather whiplash this week as a shock Arctic blast gives way to near 20C highs.
Met Eireann says a sudden cold airmass from the Arctic will drop temperatures as low as -2C tonight with widespread frost likely.
However, thermometers are forecast to swing by as much as 20C in a matter of days, with highs of 18C forecast for Friday.
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While temperatures are set to see-saw, the weather will remain unsettled with the national forecaster warning there will be “limited amounts of sunshine through the working week”.
It is predicted to be mostly cloudy until Sunday with outbreaks of rain or drizzle most days.
Giving a day-by-day breakdown of what to expect, the meteorological service said: “Mostly cloudy and damp to start Monday with showery rain across much of the east and midlands in particular. Some thundery downpours are also possible. By midday however, the showers will become isolated with brighter spells gradually developing through the afternoon and evening. Highest temperatures of 8C to 11C in light to moderate northerly breezes.
“Turning frosty in many areas on Monday night with temperatures falling to between -2C and 2C. The vast majority of the country will stay dry and clear with just a slight chance of a passing shower. Winds will be very light northerly or variable.
“Mostly dry and bright to start Tuesday. Cloud will gradually build through the day with some outbreaks of rain pushing in to the southwest later in the evening. Highest temperatures of 8C to 11C in light northeasterly breezes, veering easterly by midday.
Cloudy Tuesday night with patchy outbreaks of rain or drizzle extending northeastwards across the country. Minimum temperatures will generally range from 2C to 6C, coolest in the northeast, in very light easterly breezes.
“Remaining cloudy Wednesday with patchy outbreaks of rain or drizzle, becoming more persistent as the day goes on. Maximum temperatures of 8C to 13C, warmest in Munster, in light southeasterly breezes.
“Outbreaks of rain will continue Wednesday night, heaviest over the northern half of the country. Lowest temperatures of 6C to 10C in light southeasterly breezes.”
Met Eireann says temperatures will increase from Thursday, but the dull weather is still forecast to stick around until at least Sunday.
It continued: “Staying cloudy through the morning and afternoon Thursday with outbreaks of rain continuing to affect the northern half of the country in particular. Some brighter spells may develop towards the south later. Temperatures will start to turn a bit higher, getting up to between 13C and 17C, in light east to southeast breezes.
“A few outbreaks of showery rain will linger Thursday night, although much of the country is likely to stay dry. Minimum temperatures of 6C to 8C in very light easterly or variable breezes.
“Largely cloudy Friday with patchy outbreaks of rain, becoming more persistent in the north later. Highest temperatures of 15C to 18C in very light southeasterly breezes, gradually veering southwesterly.
“Cloudy for much of the morning and afternoon Saturday with a few patches of light rain or drizzle. Some brighter spells may develop later. Highest temperatures of 16C to 18C in very light southerly breezes.
“Considerable uncertainty remains for the further outlook. Early indications are that conditions will turn more settled for Sunday and the early days of next week with high pressure developing.”
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